Chantal Janneker

Chantal Janneker is a dynamic, results-driven communications and stakeholder relations leader with more than 25 years of experience shaping high-impact narratives, protecting reputations, and building trusted brands across government, higher education, financial services, mining, energy, and consumer sectors.

She is widely recognised for her strategic acumen in corporate communication, media engagement, marketing, investor relations, ESG and B-BBEE communications, as well as public and government affairs. Her career is marked by executive-level leadership roles, including as Group Executive: Corporate Communications at the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (NECSA), where she led national and international stakeholder engagement, crisis communications, and strategic positioning during a time of heightened public scrutiny and reform.

Chantal has a proven ability to navigate complexity and deliver communication strategies that align with organisational objectives, influence public perception, and foster stakeholder trust. Her expertise spans integrated brand strategy, digital and social media campaigns, change management, public advocacy, and governance communication, underpinned by a deep understanding of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), King III/IV Codes of Governance, and regulatory frameworks.

At Nelson Mandela University, she successfully repositioned the institution’s brand narrative through inclusive, values-based marketing and award-winning public engagement campaigns. Across her leadership roles, she has built and led high-performance teams - managing media relations, internal communication, creative and digital content, and brand development.

A powerful communicator and natural collaborator, Chantal is as comfortable in boardrooms and policy forums as she is on public platforms. She is also a skilled ghostwriter and strategist, known for crafting compelling executive messaging, thought leadership pieces, speeches, and investor communications that shape opinion and spark dialogue.

Her portfolio includes ESG storytelling, social investment reporting, digital transformation, crisis recovery frameworks, and stakeholder mobilisation initiatives that have delivered measurable reputational and commercial value.

Chantal brings a rare combination of vision, emotional intelligence, strategic rigour, and creativity - making her a sought-after advisor to executives, boards, and institutions looking to lead with impact, integrity, and influence.